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Team of the week: Lions, All Blacks and Red Roses combine

Last Updated: 19/06/17 11:47am

Joe Launchbury on the charge for England
Joe Launchbury on the charge for England

The cream of the crop combine for this week's team which included All Blacks, Springboks, Lions and Red Roses.

Player of the week

Which player had the biggest impact for his or her side this week?

15. Mike Brown (England)

Set up two of England's tries - the first was an absolute cracker as Brown brilliantly intercepted a cross-field kick at pace and raced away before he combined with Piers Francis who went over.

14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders)

Highlights of the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions at the Forsyth Barr Stadium
Highlights of the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions at the Forsyth Barr Stadium

Made a real statement as he helped the Highlanders to a 23-22 win over the Lions. Full of powerful running, Naholo broke through several tackles for his try, was big in defence and made a crucial turnover as well.

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand)

New Zealand warmed up for their series with the British and Irish Lions by crushing Samoa at Eden Park
New Zealand warmed up for their series with the British and Irish Lions by crushing Samoa at Eden Park

Malakai Fekitoa had an excellent game for the Highlanders but Lienert-Brown was all class against Samoa. Ran some excellent lines, offloaded well and worked hard in defence. He will be a handful for the Lions!

12. Jan Serfontein (South Africa)

Highlights of the second Test between South Africa and France from Kings Park Stadium
Highlights of the second Test between South Africa and France from Kings Park Stadium


Serfontein had a brilliant day at the office for the Boks - he scored a very good try but it was his defence and his work rate that really caught the eye. His passion and commitment will please Springbok fans who endured a tough 2016.

11. Lydia Thompson (England women)

Lydia Thompson in action for England
Lydia Thompson in action for England

Made an early break that set up Emily Scarratt for her try and then scored one of her own as the Red Roses recorded only their second win over the Black Ferns in New Zealand.

10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

Beauden Barrett scored 24 points against Samoa
Beauden Barrett scored 24 points against Samoa

Another complete performance from the All Blacks' world-class fly-half.

Barrett scored 24 points through two tries and seven conversions - missing only one shot at goal - to help his side to a 78-0 thrashing of Samoa. A mention for Finn Russell of Scotland and George Ford of England.

9. Ali Price (Scotland)

Ali Price replaced Greig Laidlaw against France
Ali Price replaced Greig Laidlaw against France

Kept the Wallaby defence on their toes as he was always looking for a gap. The quality of his pass was excellent and he really kept the tempo of the game going. Ran some lovely support lines and made the right choices when he had to.

1. Mako Vunipola (Lions)

Highlights of the Maori All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua
Highlights of the Maori All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua

Showed his importance around the field with some big carries and was immense in defence as well. Part of a front row that took the Maori All Blacks scrum apart.

2. Asafo Aumua (New Zealand U20)

Asafo Aumua scored a hat-trick against England under-20s
Asafo Aumua scored a hat-trick against England under-20s

Hooker Asafo Aumua was the star man with a hat-trick of tries as New Zealand won their sixth World Rugby U20 Championship on Sunday as they ran rampant to beat England 64-17.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Lions)

Tadhg Furlong of the Lions hands off Tawera Kerr-Barlow of the Maori All Blacks in the first half
Tadhg Furlong of the Lions hands off Tawera Kerr-Barlow of the Maori All Blacks in the first half

Will surely start for the Lions after his dominating performance against the Maori All Blacks. Was the anchor of the scrum that destroyed their opposition and was powerful with ball in hand and effective around the ruck and maul area.

4. Maro Itoje (Lions)

Maro Itoje has strengthened his bid for a starting place
Maro Itoje has strengthened his bid for a starting place

The Saracens man scored a try on the back of a dominant performance from the Warren Gatland's forwards, but his work ethic ensured he made an impact throughout the game.

With no time left in the first half, and the Lions just two points ahead, the Maori All Blacks were hot on the attack deep in the visitors' half.

It was Itoje who stepped up for the Lions, getting over the ball to win a crucial penalty which ensured the tourists went into the break ahead.

5. Joe Launchbury (England)

The Lions Live on Sky Sports

Watch every match from the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand only on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports today!

South Africa's Franco Mostert was a one-man tackling machine but Launchbury was outstanding for England. Why is he not with the Lions?

6. John Barclay (Scotland)

Scotland have climbed to fourth in the world rankings after earning their first ever win in Sydney as they beat Australia 24-19
Scotland have climbed to fourth in the world rankings after earning their first ever win in Sydney as they beat Australia 24-19

A mention to Chris Robshaw who was immense but Barclay led Scotland with distinction as they beat Australia. Seemed to turn over the ball at will, made some big yards with ball in hand and tackled like a demon.

7. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

Siya Kolisi of South Africa scores a try against France
Siya Kolisi of South Africa scores a try against France

One of his best performances in a Bok jersey as Kolisi ran riot against the French. Put in some monster tackles, ran some brilliant support lines and his ball skills were phenomenal. A big game at the breakdown as well.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

New Zealand's Ardie Savea runs the ball forward  against Samoa
New Zealand's Ardie Savea runs the ball forward against Samoa

Ardie Savea has played some rugby at No 8 for the Hurricanes, but his preferred position is at openside. Despite that fact, the 23-year-old excelled for the All Blacks on Friday.

Savea scored two tries in the victory, and along with Sam Cane made the most tackles for the Kiwis with 15 hits on opposition players.

"I thought Ardie played really, really well," said coach Steve Hansen after the game. "I don't he's a genuine No 8, but he did show that he can slot in there for us if we need to."

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